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The Slayer	By : norwalker Category: BtVS AU/AR > FemmeSlash - Female/Female Views: 19613 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
The Slayer

By Norwalker

Part 5 of a multipart story.

Summary: What if Faith came first? Was a slayer before Buffy?( if Buffy even became a slayer?). Just my take on what might have happened. AU, of course.

Pairings: Not sure yet. You might be surprised.

Rating: M( R )

Disclaimer: Characters depicted in this story, except for original characters created by the author, are the sole property of Mutant Enemy, Fox and Joss Whedon.

"Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar." Drew Carey.

1

" SHHHHHH!!!!!"

Faith shushes the others as she scans for vampires. Moving out ahead, she looks around the cemetery for any fresh, open graves.

"Somebody took her grumpy pill today," Xander downs another handful of chips.

" Xander. It would really behoove you to put those away. Vampires have particularly sensitive hearing, and your crunching is giving them a clarion call as to where we are!" Giles whispers, a little impatiently.

" Ok, two people then, " Xander grumbles, rolling up the bag and sticking it in his pocket. " Sorry, I just got a little hungry."

" Well, it's best to eat before you go slaying, " Giles whispers. " not during."

" Ha ha, funny. The British guy made a joke," Xander complains.

" Be quiet, " Faith, back to the group, hisses at them. " You two are making enough noise to … "

" Raise the dead?" A voice comes from behind them. All three whip around to see a tall stranger standing behind them, grinning a little cockily. " I don't think you have to worry. I didn't see any fresh graves here tonight. You might try Sunny Hills a couple of blocks over."

Faith, working out of instinct, attacks the stranger, hitting him with a flying kick, knocking him over. She sits on him, raising her stake over his chest.

" Pardon me, " He says, still grinning. " is there a problem?"

" Sneaking up on me and my friends? Problem!" She starts to plunge the stake down when something hits her hand, causing the stake to go flying.

"Faith, wait!" Giles tries to get her attention.

" Giles, what the hell are you doing?"

" Whew, that was close, " The stranger says. "Can I get up now?"

" Faith, I recognized the voice. This is the man that showed up at my apartment. Telling me about you… and the Harvest."

" Him?" Faith looks astonished.

" Me," He says, " Now, this is all very fun, having a pretty girl sitting on my chest, but I'd really like to get up now. I promise, I won't bite."

Faith just looks at him, holding him down.

" Faith, let the man up, please, " Giles says, " He might have more information about the Harvest."

" Actually, I do, " The stranger agrees, " But I talk better on my feet than on my back. Call me peculiar that way."

"Alrighty, you're peculiar," Faith says, raising her fist, " Now , start talking. I want answers, and I want….what?"

Faith feels herself lifted off the stranger. Giles and Xander, each with one arm, put her on her feet. Xander reaches over and offers the stranger a hand.

" Ok, why did I bring you two along, again?" Faith growls at them. " and why are you helping him?"

" Now, calm down miss…Faith, is it?" He brushes off, then moves around her. " So you're the new slayer. Hmmm. You're a bit of a pistol, aren't you?" He cocks his head, " kinda cute too, in a dark, party girl way."

" Yeah, you're real hunky, in an untanned, dead way, " Faith retorts, " I don't usually flirt with vamps. I usually just kill them." Not waiting, she starts in on him again.

" Faith, wait. How do you know he's a vampire?" Giles calls out.

"Are you kidding, Giles?" Faith says. She lands a punch on his face. The stranger growls and vamps out. " What more proof do you need?"

" Vampire? He's a vampire?" Xander looks at his hand, then wipes it on his jeans. " Ick. I touched him!"

" Don't worry, boy, " The stranger says, " you can't get it that way." He blocks Faith's punches but doesn't return any of his own. " Ok, can we stop fighting now?"

" Would one of you morons get my stake, so I can dust this guy?" Faith calls out, throwing another punch.

" Faith, I'm not here to fight you, I want to help you, " He blocks a kick.

"Oh, you're just a regular boy scout, huh? A vampire wants to help me kill vampires. That's good. You should write for the networks." Faith feints a kick to the left, then lands a punch to his ribs. The stranger staggers, and Faith does a sweep kick, knocking his legs from under him. In a flash, she's back on top.

" You really like it there on top, don't you?" He grins.

" Stake. Gimme my stake, please? So I can end his lame jokes, please?"

Xander comes up to her, and hands her the stake. She takes it , and raises it for the kill.

" Faith wait, hear him out!" Giles comes up to her. " Don't stake him yet." He grabs her arm.

" Giles, have you gone bonkers? The guys a vamp. He wants to kill us!" She shakes him off.

" Then why didn't he, back there? He had the perfect chance." He grabs her arm again.

" Well, duh, I attacked him." She shakes him off again.

" But he hasn't tried to attack you. He's only defended himself," Giles grabs her arm a third time.

" Dammit Giles, if you grab my arm again, I'm going to rip yours off. Not let me do my job." She shakes him off, and raises the stake to slay the vampire.

" Ok, this is gone too far. No ones dying tonight" The stranger grabs her wrists, holding them in place. Faith tries to plunge the stake, but can't. She tries to shake him off, same results. Frustrated, she leaps off him. She whirls on Giles, and starts poking him in the chest.

" What the hell is your problem?" She yells at him, " This is the enemy Giles, a monster. Get it? This is what I'm supposed to do, kill vampires. And you're interfering. What's going on here? Dammit, " Faith hurls the stake into the ground in frustration. " I should just leave you here with him. See how long he stays friendly." Seeing red, she storms off.

" Giles, she's got a point. He's a vampire. Why aren't we staking him already?"

Both freeze when they feel a very cold and strong hand on their necks.

" If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead," The stranger says, quietly. " Now stay here, let me go talk to her." He walks off in Faith's direction.

" Uh, ok, that was just creepy," Xander says.

Giles is quiet. There's something strange about him. He picks up the stake, just in case, and follows a little distance behind Angel.

Faith stands, shaking with rage. What the hell is going on? My watcher betraying me now? Who do I trust? Why is he allowing that animal to live? What the hell is going on around here?

" So, I bet you think I'm just another animal, right?" The stranger stands a little bit from her.

Faith, startled, turns on him. " No, at least animals have a purpose. You're nothing but a leech." She advances on him. " So, what now? Round two?"

" I told you, I'm not here to fight you Faith. I won't"

" Fine. Then just die," She leaps at him, fists out.

The stranger seems to melt from the place he was standing, and Faith goes right on through… crashing into the ground.

" I'm also not here to die, " He says, watching her go past. He walks over, and putting his foot on her back, holds her down. She struggles to get up. " Just stay down." He says quietly.

" Screw you, fang boy, " Faith struggles to push up, but he just keeps her flat.

" Truce?" He asks, quietly.

" Never."

" Ok, well, I can keep this up for awhile. Let me know when you get bored."

"AAARRR" Faith snarls, frustrated. She keeps trying to push him off, without success. Finally, she stops struggling.

" Fine, truce," She mutters.

The stranger backs off, letting her get up. Faith gets up.

BAM!

The stranger growls, vamping out.

" We had a truce, " He grabs his face where she punched it. " Man, that hurts."

" Just so we're clear. So we keep things straight. I don't like you," Faith backs off.

" Great. The feeling's mutual, " The stranger mutters.

" Glad that's cleared up. Now tell me, why shouldn't I just kill you?"

" Because I have information you need. About the Harvest, and the Master. I can help you."

" There you go again. Why should I believe you? A vampire, betraying other vampires? Why doesn't that ring true?"

" I'm not like other vampires," He says, quietly, "I'm different."

" What? You don't drink blood?" She laughs. " Right, when pigs fly."

" I drink blood," He says, " Pig's blood. I don’t kill humans. Not anymore."

" Oh, right. Because what? You've reformed? You're a good vampire now? Don't give me that Anne Rice crap!" She snorts her derision.

" I was a human once, like you, " He says," well, not exactly like you. I had a life, a good life, I suppose. I wasn't very good. I was … what would you call it? … pretty much a drunken lout. That is, I pretty much lived to eat, drink and make with the women. My father, rather an old dried up puss, kicked me out, disgusted with me. So I kept up with my drinkin' and whorin, pretty much going nowhere. Until one night, in an alley. I met her."

" Here it comes, " Faith says derisively, " Another guy blaming a woman for his miserable un-life."

" Naw. She changed my world, but it wasn't miserable. It was new, and different, and powerful . I was powerful. For over a hundred years, we cut a path through Europe, a path of blood and destruction and exquisite torture. It was beyond belief. And I did it all with a song in my heart."

" Well, aint that just the sweetest thing. A fairy tale to tell my grandkids." Faith snickers.

" The fairy tale isn't over. About 90 years ago, I killed and ate a girl about your age. Dumb as a post, but she was a favorite amongst her people."

" Her people?" Faith shrugs, " What were they, Smurfs?"

" Romany… gypsies." He frowns. " As revenge, they cursed me."

" Really?" Faith looks him over, " with what? An incredibly long life? Remarkably clear skin? Cavities?" Faith smirks." That would be a bitch, wouldn't it? The dental bills alone."

" They restored my soul."

" Uhhh… so?"

" You don't get it."

" Brilliant deduction, Sherlock."

" When you're made a vampire, you die. A demon sets up shop in your body. It looks like you, it retains your personality, your memories, but your soul… your conscience, the thing that makes you … you… is gone. It's a very simple, clean way to live. Everything is clear, because you don’t have regrets or remorse. It’s just one long sensual journey. The gypsies changed that. They returned my soul to me."

" Ok, I'm dumb. I'm still not understanding how this means squat."

" They returned my soul, Faith. My conscience. I remember every person I killed, their face, what they felt, all of it. I see them, their eyes, looking at me, accusing me. Every day of my life. For the past 90 plus years, I've wandered with the remorse and regret of killings I did while I've been a vampire. Since that time, I haven't fed off humans."

" Good. You should remember, you should pay. For the rest of your undead life." Faith stares at him, " I hope you weren’t looking for sympathy here, cuz you're not getting any." She pauses, waiting for him to continue. " So, is that it, then?" he nods. " Ok, still not seeing why I should trust you. Because you have a soul doesn't make you a good guy. It just means you remember and regret. In a word, big whoop."

" Good. You're smart. Smart enough not to trust me. But don't be too smart, and throw away what I can give you."

" How do I know you're not lying to me? Working for the Master, and misleading us?"

" You don't. That's where you have to trust me."

Faith reaches down, and pulls a stake out of her leg strap. She walks to the Stranger, and puts the stake to his chest.

"So tell me again, why shouldn't I just stake you?"

" You had that all the time."

" Well, duh."

" And you could've staked me any time before now."

Again, duh."

" So, why didn't you?"

" Because, Giles was right. You weren't trying to kill me. You were just fighting enough to defend yourself. I wanted to know why."

" So? You believe me?"

She looks up into his eyes, and sees something there she's never seen in another vampire. She lowers the stake.

" No. I mean, not really. But you're right. I can't afford to throw away something that might lead me to this Master guy. So for now, you live. Fuck me in any way, and I'll kill you first. Get it?"

The stranger nods.

"Good. Got a name?"

" Angel, " he says quietly.

" Ok, Angel. Let's go have a little chat with Giles." Faith pokes him in the side with the stake. " Hurry up, I don't have all night."

"You ever going to put that thing away?" Angel asks, as they walk back to the others.

" When I trust you."

" Any idea when that might be?"

" Probably never."

2

"Are you ever comin' out of there?"

" Just a minute!"

It's a few days later, and Willow has been released from the hospital. As promised, Faith has dragged her out shopping. It's at the mall, in one the toney little boutiques with the cutting edge of fashion. Faith is sitting in a chair by the dressing room, waiting for Willow.

" You said that 10 minutes ago," Faith says impatiently. " I wanna see!"

" Ok, ok, I'm coming," Willow calls out.

Willow emerges from the dressing room. But it's a totally different Willow from the one we know. She's wearing a purple silk blouse, tied just beneath her breasts. Along with, she's sporting a black leather mini, and on her feet are shiny leather pumps with 2" heels.

But the big change is above her shoulders. They've been to the stylist, and Willow's long hair is no more. Instead, it's been cut just to her shoulders, and styled so it frames her face. There is some body in it, and some curls. The color's been brightened a bit. Also, her make-up has been amped up a bit, emphasizing her already pretty green eyes, de-emphasizing her freckles, and her lips are the color of deep ripe cherries. They match the color of her nails.

Faith lets out a long, low wolf whistle in appreciation. Willow's blush almost matches the color of her hair.

"Faith, please," She whispers. She looks in the mirror, and frowns. " I just don't know."

" Oh, c'mon babe. You know you look hot. Admit it." Faith gets up, and walks over to her. " You show up in that, and they're going to be tripping over themselves to get to you."

" It's not too much?" Willow looks a little worried.

" Oh, no. It's just right," Faith leans in, putting her hands on Willow's hips. " you got just the figure for it. Shoot, if I weren't straight, I'd date ya."

" Faith, you're terrible" Willow giggles, slapping Faith's hands.

" That's what they tell me… well, not in bed."

" FAITH!" More blushes.

"C'mon Red, admit it. It releases that inner sex goddess in you."

" I do feel… sexy," Willow admits, smiling. " You think Xander will like it?"

" Honey, when Xander sees that…" She leans in and whispers something in her ear. Willow blushes to her toes.

" No way!"

" Oh, most definitely way," Faith grins. " Believe me, that boy's gonna dream of you in and out of that ensemble."

" Well, you know, " Willow looks at herself in the mirror, " if he's a good puppy, he might not have to wait toooo long to make those dreams real."

" Red! You dog!" Faith chuckles, looking at her, amazed. " I've created a monster."

Willow giggles.

" So c'mon, show me the other one. I wanna see it too."

" 'K" Willow walks back to the dressing room, a new little bounce in her step. Faith notices it and nods. That's it, baby. It's not what's on, it's how you put it out there.

Faith checks herself out in the mirror. She turns this way and that, frowning and smiling in turn. She calls back to the dressing rooms.

" Hey Will, you know about pretty much everybody at your school, right?"

" Pretty much, I guess, " Willow answers, " Well, sorta. I mean, I'm not like popular girl, but you hear stuff, you know? Why?"

" Well, I had a kinda run in with a Cordelia Chase the other day…"

Willow's head pops out from the mirror entrance to the dressing rooms. " Cordelia Chase? Queen C? You had a … " She grabs Faith's arm, and Faith finds herself being pulled back into a dressing room. " What? … tell me …"

"Whoa! What's the big? She's just a cheerleader, " Faith chuckles.

" Just a cheerleader?" Willow acts like she can't believe her ears. " Just a cheerleader she says." She shakes her head.

" What?" Faith laughs, maybe a little nervously. " Ok, maybe her Daddy's rich too…"

" Rich?" Willow looks at Faith with pity. " You don't have a clue about Cordelia, do you?"

"I'm beginning to think not."

" Cornell Chase, Cordelia's father, is beyond rich. Look up ' wealthy' in the dictionary, and there's a picture of Cornell Chase by it," Willow sits down opposite Faith. " He owns half of Sunnydale. At least that's the known amount. Some think more." Faith arches a brow. " Yeah. And he's like, given a lot to the community. The sport's complex in Sunnydale Park? He paid for it. The Sunnydale Arts Center? Him again. The new state of the art police station? The new city hall? Are we getting a theme here?"

" Whoa"

" Yeah, whoa. He's given over a million to Sunnydale high, for various upgrades and projects. Principal Snyder, the terror of all students at Sunnydale high, figures out new ways to kiss his red Rosie every time Cornell happens to show up. And who, do you think, is Daddy's favorite?"

" I'm going out on a limb here. Cordelia?"

" Uh-huh," Willow nods. " She pretty much rules Sunnydale High. Even Snyder doesn't go against her too often. Her nickname is Queen C. She even has a vanity plate on her car with " Queen C " on it. She is the most popular girl at Sunnydale high, and it isn't her sparkling personality. Are you beginning to get a clue now?"

" Oh yeah," Faith says with a flat tone. " Spoiled rich girl."

" Spoiled rich girl, with clout, " Willow corrects her. " And you went toe to toe with her?"

" Well, not exactly…" Faith briefly explains her encounter with Cordelia. Willow's eyes become almost like saucers.

" Holy Maloly!" Willow whispers, almost in awe. " No one has ever…ever faced down Cordelia like that. Even the ' We hate Cordelia' Society has only dreamed…."

"The what?" Faith chuckles.

" The ' We hate Cordelia' society. I'm president, Xander's the treasurer" Willow stares at Faith, " but I'm willing to cede my presidency to you…"

Faith laughs. " Wow, you guys got way too much time on your hands. I don't hate her. I don't know her. She just some snotty goofball, far as I'm concerned."

" You don't know her. She's made my life miserable since grade school, " Willow complains. " What did she say after …the incident?" She weights the last words.

" I dunno, I wasn't really paying attention. Something like ' this isn't over' and ' you're going to be sorry you pissed me off '. The usual crap like that."

" You better be careful, " Willow warns, " Cordelia isn't the poster girl for turning the other cheek. She's gonna get back at you."

" You guys, I swear. There aren't enough monsters out there for you, you want to make a new hell bitch?" Faith laughs." Believe me, I've run up against the Cordelia's in this world before. I'm not worried."

Willow looks at Faith with pity in her eyes. And I was just getting to know her. " Ok," She says, unconvinced.

" Oh, c'mon. We're not gonna let Ms. Cordelia born with a silver spoon up her ass Chase ruin our day, are we? Anyway, I still want to see that other number!" She slaps Willow on the knee, and stand up. " And hurry up, slowpoke. We got a lot more shopping to do."

" Ok," Willow calls out, starting to change. But she can't help but have a slight queasy feeling in her stomach. Why do I just know that somehow Cordelia knows about this chat? She sighs and continues changing.

And in the booth next to her, Cordelia Chase stands, half dressed, with a little evil smile on her face.

" You haven't even met hell bitch yet, Faith" Cordelia chuckles to herself.

3

Xander walked into the Bronze at 8 p.m. on the dot. He looked around expectantly, but didn't see what he was looking for.

Where are they? They said 8 p.m. and hey, he looks at his watch, I'm here. But no Faith, no Willow. Girls, it figures. They don't have the same sense of times guys got. Now, if it were Jesse… Xander stops, and sighs. Man, that sucks. Jesse… god I still can't believe he's dead. Or he was a vampire. Damn.

Feeling just a little more down, he starts to wander around the Bronze, looking for his friends. He reaches the dance floor, just as a new song starts up. Around the floor is a ring of people. What's going on? Moving through the crowd, he manages to get to the front.

He sees two girls dancing in the center with a guy. Both seem to be in total heat, moving as if they were mating, not dancing. It was totally hot, and Xander likes totally hot. He grins, and one of the dancers, the brunette, turns around.

" Whoa, that's Faith!" Xander says out loud, forgetting himself.

" You know her?" A guy standing next him asks." Man, I'd like a piece of that."

But who's the sexy red head with her? For some reason he couldn't puzzle out, she seems familiar. Naw, I'd remember that! She doesn't turn around, so Xander can't get a good look at her, but he can see what she's doing. But man, she was all over that guy… and sometimes, Faith, like white on rice. Man she's smokin' I wouldn't mind a little bit of that myself. He stares as the red-head, shaking it down, starts to move down, her butt wiggling and wagging. Wow, just total wow.

On the dance floor, Faith moves back into the guy, grinding up against him a little.

" He's here, Red. Behind you. Don't look."

" Is he?" Willow, nodding back to Xander, smiles. " Is he like, looking at me?"

" Oh hon, his eyes are glued to your ass, believe me"

Really?" She blushes, but Faith notices she puts some more hippy-hippy in her shake.

" You go girl. That boy's gonna need a drool cup soon," Faith chuckles.

" Hey, Parker, thanks for helping us out here," Willow says.

" What do you mean?" Parker Scott says, smiling broadly, " I get to dance with two hot sexy women, and I'm gonna refuse? Please!"

" Yeah, well, it still was nice," Faith says, sliding her body up and down Parkers, " you're a good sport."

"Faith, if you do that one more time, I'm gonna have a stroke, or a heart attack, " Parker laughs. " but, don't let that stop you!"

" You ready , Red?" Faith asks.

" Sure, bring him on, " Willow says. She moves in closer to Parker, starting to imitate Faith, but still keeping her face away from Xander's view. She moves around Parker, using him to block while she shimmies against him.

" God, you two are evil, and I think I'm loving it," Parker laughs, as Willow shimmies against him.

Faith, in the meantime, dances over to where Xander is standing.

"Hey, baby. Wanna dance?" She shakes it a little for Xander, to keep his interest up.

" Me?" Xander gulps.

" Yeah, you. C'mon, I want you to meet someone," She says, grabbing Xander's hand, pulling him in. The guys around him are grumbling about lucky dog and what about me, baby.

" Who?" Xander asks, following Faith onto the floor. "Do you mean the red head?"

" Yeah. She saw you, and thinks you're cute."

" Really? She is sooo hot!" Xander can't believe his luck.

" So," Faith coos a little, " you like?" She nods back toward Willow.

" Oh yeah. Xander like!" Xander gushes.

" Then c'mon, " Faith pulls him over to where Parker and Willow are dancing.

Except it's even gotten hotter. Willow is back in front of Parker, and she's rubbing her body against him. Parker has definitely got a flush going.

" Hey, enough with my guy, you," Faith teases, grabbing Parker's hand. " C'mon guy, it's you and me now." She dances away, pulling Parker after.

Willow still has her back to Xander, and just continues to shimmy in front of him. Xander, his throat dry, moves a little closer.

" Hi, I'm Xander and you are …?" He stands there, and then Willow turns around, smiling sexily at him " … oh my god, you're Willow!" He stands, stunned.

" Hey, Xan… wanna dance?" Willow moves into him. Her hand moves up his chest and around his neck. She takes his hand with her other, and puts it on her hip. " C'mon, lets make some heat," she whispers softly.

Xander is in total shock. This is Willow, his bud. His friend since he can remember friends. His playmate, his friend that helps him to understand the mysteries of those creatures called girls. He's known her forever, shared dreams with her, laughed and cried with her. But here, tonight, he's discovered something totally new about her, something totally wonderful. That she's not one of the guys, but one of the girls, a wonderful, sexy soft and affectionate delight that he realizes he doesn't know the first thing about. It's as if the fog has lifted, and he's removed the blindfold. This is Willow. We're friends. We don't… but tonight makes it clear, they do. Very much do. He can't think of anyone he's been closer to in his life, and now, he can't think of anyone he wants to be closer with. To put it succinctly, he's seen the light, hallelujah, the perfect girl for Xander? Has been right here all along.

The lights all seem to fade around them. Xander can only see her, her face, her beautiful eyes, the way her lips seem so wet and soft and … kissable. Willow? Kissable? Oh man, so kissable. She feels her arms slide around his neck, and his face moves to her, almost as if with a mind of it's own. Their lips meet briefly, tentatively; almost shyly. Even this tiny kiss sends little thrills up and down his spine. Another tiny kiss, and then another, then they break, Willow leaning her head on his chest. He hungers for more, but senses that for now, to take it slow.

"W-Willow, I… I don't know what…"

But Willow puts her finger to his lips, and smiles. " Not now. When the dance is over, we can talk. But for now, I just want to … enjoy it, feel it. Shhh"

Xander exhibits a wisdom previously unseen: he shuts up and dances. They fall into their own little world, one of soft warmth and music and lights; where everything is new and exciting. They begin that little journey called love.

" Hey, Xander!"

Xander, enraptured by the soft warm world called Willow, doesn't hear the voice at first.

" Hey, you, Xander!" A fist comes out, punching him on the arm.

" Ow," Xander seems to come out of his daze. He looks around. " Oh, hey, Larry. Looking real Neanderthal there, you know?"

Larry, sometime fullback for the Razorbacks, all-the-time general jerk, butts in on Willow and Xander's dance.

" What's with the French, Xander?" Larry shrugs. " I just wanted to say I think you're totally gutsy, you know?"

" Huh?" Xander's puzzled, " What's that supposed to mean?"

"Aw, c'mon, Xander. Everyone knows you’re like a loser. You and real girls?? Never going to happen. But that doesn't stop you, I see. Still out there plugging away, pretending you're not a total loser. Even if it means you gotta dance with some lesbo dyke. Probably the only kind of woman that'd dance with you. Takes Guts, Xander"

" You know, Larry? I think that slope in your forehead is squishing your brains. What the hell are you talking about?"

" Don't get all mad, Xander. But I'm talking about your date there, " Larry points at Willow.

" Me?" Willow looks around from Xander.

" Oh, Hey, Willow. I gotta say, being a lesbo? Really good look for you. I swear you look almost hot. So, ummm… what's it like?" He gives Willow the once over twice. " Is it hot?"

" What're you talking about?" Xander and Willow say in unison.

" Don't be that way, Willow " Larry leers, " I mean, hey, if you lose the loser here? Maybe you me and your hot honey could go for a three way? Once you've had a real man, betcha both of you will be cured." He puts his hand on her arm. " Whatcha say?"

" I don't have a clue what you're talking about."

" Oh, coy, huh? Don't pretend. It's like all over the bar. You and that butchy girlfriend of yours were caught getting all hot and heavy in a dressing room at the mall. All the moaning and groaning. Wow, who woulda thought you were so wild? You always seemed like a geek. Who knew?"

" That's a lie!" Willow declares. " Nothing like that happened?"

" Yeah, sure. It's pretty general knowledge, Willow. I heard it from a couple a guys. So, tell me," Larry pulls her towards himself, " is it true you Lesbos are all frigid man haters?"

" Get your hand off her, Larry, " Xander grabs Larry's hand, extracting Willow from it. He pushes Larry back.

Willow looks around, and realizes the dancing has stopped. It's as if her nightmare has come real. Everyone is looking at her, whispering and laughing. She feels a major blush coming on.

" Oh yeah, Harris?" Larry gets in Xander's face. " What're you gonna do about it?"

" Something'…" he grabs Larry's lapels, " … damned manly!" Angry, he head butts Larry.

Xander's eyes go wide, and he staggers back a step.

" uhhh… that didn't go so well, " He mumbles, hand flying to his forehead.

" Xander!" Willow goes to him.

" You wuss, " Larry laughs, pushing Xander.

Xander staggers back another step, then falls on his butt.

" Xander, are you ok?" Willow kneels by him.

" WHAT!!?" A very pissed off voice rises above the crowd. " WHO THE HELL IS SAYING THAT?"

" Gee, mom, can I just sleep for another five minutes?" Xander gets a goofy grin, and his eyes cross.

Willow hears laughter around her. She's furious. She gets up , and attacks Larry.

" You… you … BULLY!" She cries, and delivers a kick to Larry's shin.

Faith, flushed, pushes through the crowd in time to see Willow go after Larry.

" You hurt Xander… you … you….!" She kicks him again.

" Hey, stop that pipsqueak, " Larry groans. He pushes Willow, who falls back on Xander. Xander groans.

" Hey, moron, back off, " Faith cries out, and in two steps is standing toe to toe with Larry.

" Oh hey, look, the girlfriend shows up. Oh, please, don't hurt me Ellen." He puts up his hands in mock fear.

Faith grabs one of his arms, and twisting it around, brings the oversized jock to his knees. Her knee goes in his back.

" Shit! Hey, you lesbo. Let go!" Larry whines.

Faith puts him into a choke hold. " Is it you that's talking this trash about me and her?" She growls.

" Damn… let… go … can't breathe, " Larry's face is turning red.

" Talk boy-o, " She flexes her arm.

" Not me, " He gasps." Cheerleaders… got it from … cheerleaders."

" Faith, let him go, " Angel steps from the crowd. He puts a hand on her arm. " You'll kill him."

" Back off, Angel, " She shakes him off. But she lets Larry go. He's on all fours, panting, trying to get his breath. Faith's boot comes up, and he goes flying into the crowd.

She turns around, and sees Willow sitting on the floor, with Xander's head in her lap. She's leaning over, caressing his face.

" Is he ok?" Faith asks, coming towards him.

" I think so, " Willow's voice is a little flat and edgy. She looks up at Faith. " Go away, Faith. Please?"

" C'mon, Red. Let me help you get him up, " Faith comes over, and kneels, starting to lift up Xander. Willow pushes her away.

" Just go away, please?"

" What?" Faith is puzzled.

" Everything… everything was fine til you showed up. Wherever you go, there's trouble. God, first I'm in the hospital, now Xander." She caresses Xander's head, " Why can't you just leave it alone? Why did you have to face down Cordelia? I know she's got something to do with this…"

" I'll take care of Cordelia. Let's just get Xander out of here…"

" No, I got him. Don't you get it? This happened because you pissed Cordy off. Why couldn't you just ignore her? Let her taunts go? No, you had to humiliate her. Well, thanks loads, Faith. Thanks a bunch!" Willow struggles with Xander, but manages to get him on his feet. Struggling a little under his weight, she leads him off the dance floor.

" You should listen to her, butch," A voice comes from behind Faith. She whirls around and is facing Cordelia. " This'll teach you who's in charge around here, you stupid dyke. You don't mess with Cordelia Chase."

" You stupid, lying bitch, " Faith starts at her, eyes narrowing. "What the hell have you done?"

Cordelia, seeing Faith's eyes, starts backing off. " Get away from me, you freak! You had it coming for what you did!"

" What I did? What? I shook you up a little, got a little paint on your sweater, and for that you trash Willow's reputation?" Faith is livid. " I'm so going to enjoy tearing you from limb to limb!"

"Faith, no!" Angel puts himself between them. "Don't!"

"Angel," Faith's voice is dangerously low, " get out of my way."

" Faith, no. Calm down. This isn't the way."

" Oh, it's so the way," Faith reaches out to push Angel aside. He grabs her arms, enfolding her in a bear hug. Faith struggles to get free.

"Let me go, dammit, Angel. Let me GO!"

" If she lays a finger on me, I'll have her ass in jail so fast, her head'll spin. Daddy owns this…"

" Cordelia? Shut up!" Angel barks at her. "She's very strong, and I can't hold her long. Run, if you don't want to wind up a spot on the floor."

Cordelia pales, and beats a hasty retreat.

" Angel, I'm going to kill you. I swear to god I'm going to rip your head off …"

" Faith, I'm not letting you go til you calm down."

" Angel, she's evil. She's beyond a spoiled rich brat. I have to …"

" Faith, please. Just let it go. Trust me."

Faith ceases her struggles.

" If I let you go, promise you won't go after her?"

Faith nods curtly.

" Let me hear it."

" I promise," She growls.

" All right." Angel releases her. She turns and punches him in the stomach. He grabs his abdomen and groans.

" Dammit, Faith. I get it. You don't like me. I don't need reminders."

" Don’t EVER do that again, " Faith hisses at him. She turns on her heel, and starts after Cordelia.

" Faith, no!" Angel grabs her by the shoulder.

Faith whirls around, fist cocked. " Let me go."

" Faith stop, think. If you assault her, she's going to get daddy put you in prison. From what I know about this place, he can do it. You can't do duty in prison, Faith. Just. Cool. Down!"

Faith looks like she wants to hit him again, but the words sink in. She slams her fists on her thighs in frustration.

" Ow, that hurts, " She frowns. " So, I guess little Ms. Rich bitch just gets away with it, because Daddy's got money and has the town terrorized." She kicks the pole. " Dammit, I just can't do nothing, Angel. She trashed Red. I don't give a crap about me, don't care what the yokels think. But Willow… this is her town. Where she lives. It's just not fucking fair!"

" You really like her, don't you?"

" Cordelia? I hate her guts!"

" I meant, Willow."

" Oh. Yeah, so?"

" So, you think she'd like you to be in jail?"

" No," Faith grumbles, " I guess not. But I can't just let that bitch get away with it."

" I didn't say that, " Angel says, a little smile on his face," just, it doesn't have to involve fists and jail."

Faith looks at him puzzled.

" What're you thinking?" She asks, suspicious but interested.

" No, better you don't know," Angel says, " just let me take care of it."

" Angel, this isn't your fight…"

" No, probably not. But it's been a long time since I've been able to get creative…"

Faith gets a chill.

" Angel, I don't want her dead!"

" Not going to kill her, Faith." He shakes her head, " but promise, she won't forget this night for a long time."

"Angel, what're you going to do?"

" Trust me," He grins, and disappears into the crowd.

"Are you ok?"

Faith spins around, and sees Parker Scott standing there. He puts up his hands in surrender.

" Don't hurt me, ok? I'm on your side."

" Parker! Oh man, sorry. Just jumpy," Faith goes over to him, putting an arm around his shoulder. " Really sorry, this musta been a bummer of a night for you."

" You're kidding me, right? First of all, two of the hottest women in the place want to dance with me, and then one actually sticks around after seeing me dance, " He grins.

" Hey, you're not so bad, " Faith smiles at him.

" Then, my date takes out Larry the Neanderthal, and faces down Cordelia Chase? This has been the best date ever."

Date?"

" Ok, ummm… maybe I got ahead of things, there. But I'm sorry to see the evening end."

" It doesn't have to be over, you know, " Faith walks her fingers up Parker's chest. She leans in closer. " I'm feeling a little hungry…"

" Really? We could go to Ben and Jerry's and get some ice cream."

" We could, " Faith says softly. She presses up against him. " And then, we could go somewhere and work off some of those calories." She strokes his chest with her fingers.

" Oh?" Parker gulps. "Where?"

" We'll figure something out, " Faith whispers in his ear. Her hand slides down and squeezes his butt.

" Ok," Parker, a little awed at his marvelous fortune, is speechless.

" C'mon, baby, time to ride the Faith train," She pulls him along after. She glances over her shoulder and smiles. Good puppy. Been awhile since I've had one.

They walk towards the back exit.

In back of the Bronze, Willow is sitting on a crate next to Xander, who's still a little groggy.

" Are you alright, Xander?" She asks for the 15^th time. She leans over and kisses his forehead. " Poor Xander head. All hurt."

" Yeah, I'm ok, Will. Still just a little woozy," Xander says, " boy, some guy I turned out to be. My girlfriend has to protect me." Did I just say girlfriend?

" Girlfriend?" Willow asks, smiling.

" Hey, Will. What happened in there?"

" Oh, well, we were dancing, and then Larry came over, and started ragging on us, and you…"

" No, my manly failure I remember quite well, thanks, " Xander stops her. " I mean, before. With the …" he gestures at her outfit, " … and the dancing, and oh, did I say? You are one major league hottie?"

" Really?" Willow blushes, " you think?"

" Oh, I think, " Xander nods, " But, what happened. I mean to you and me?"

" uhhh…" Willow stalls. She doesn't want to say it, if he doesn’t " What happened to you?"

" I dunno, " He sounds genuinely puzzled, " I was on the dance floor with this hot girl, she was shaking it like nobody's biz, and then she turns and it's you, and I'm like… I don't know… but suddenly, everything faded away but you… and me, I guess, and it's like I'm seeing a whole new you… and I'm majorly liking it. Majorly majorly. And I realize, I don't know you, and I've known you all my life. So, what happened?"

" Xander… look, I … I can't do this alone, ok? I need to know. I need to know that if I let myself feel what I'm feeling, that I'm not alone in this. OK? I need to know that … you feel something too."

" Willow, what I saw tonight? Blew my mind. When we were dancing, all I knew was that being there, with you, in my arms? So right. Better than right. Is there a better than right? Like a super-right? Because, that's what it was. Super right." Xander frowns.

"What?"

" Oh, just angry at myself, I should've been smarter, with Larry I mean. I mean, I should know his head is pure granite. What was I thinking?" He pauses. " I know what I was thinking."

" Xander, really, that stuff they were saying…"

" Oh, please, Will. I know that's just crap. Who'd believe that stuff, except a bunch of morons?"

" Seems everyone… almost everyone… believed it."

" Then everyone's a moron. No, I … just … got so mad because he was pawing you, and I wanted to slug him…"

" Really?" Willow's face lights up, " for me?"

" No one paws my Will. Well, except me… and if she wants it?"

" Oh, she wants it, " Willow presses against him, " she really, really wants it." Her face is scant inches from him. " Xander, I…"

" Will, I'm never going to forget this night." Xander winces, touching his head.

" Well, for a few weeks, anyway," She teases him.

" It's the night I fell in love with my best friend."

" Xander!… you goof!" But she leans in, and puts a major lip lock on him.

As her hand slides around to draw him closer, she thinks:

Good puppy. Good puppy!

4

" You saw that, didn't you? You all saw that, right?"

Cordy, accompanied by her Cordettes, is walking to her car. She is playing to her audience, adding extra drama to the confrontation.

" You all heard her, right? She threatened to kill me. That psycho-bitch-dyke is dangerous. How can the police let people like that in this town?"

" Don't worry, Cordy," Harmony puts in, " Once you tell your daddy about it, I'm sure…"

" I'm talking here, ok? Can I get a word in edgewise?" She glares down Harmony, who falls silent, " Anyway, once I tell Daddy about that freak, he's gonna make sure she's gone. I swear, what is this town coming to?"

" It's shameful!" Cindy Takashi chimes in.

" Disgusting" Aurora agrees.

" The creep!" Andrea nods.

" Well, the good thing? She won't be here long enough to infect anyone but Willow…and she's such a loser, who cares, huh?" Cordy laughs. The others laugh with her. " God, did you see their faces when they realized everybody knew."

" It sure was lucky you happened to be in the dressing room next to hers," Harmony says, " boy, otherwise, who would've known?"

" Yeah, lucky, " Cordy nods, " but hey, now they do, right?"

" Right!" the other four chorus together.

" We don't want any of her trashy kind in our town, right?" She looks to the group for affirmation.'

" Right"

" You got it, Cordy."

" Good riddance to bad trash"

" Sooner the better."

" Hey, we're here," Cordy says, reaching her car. " So remember, practice tomorrow night."

There are some small groans from the group.

" Hey, where's your spirit, huh? I want to take us to the finals this year. I want us to be the best cheerleading squad, ever! Damned if I'm gonna let Catherine Madison's record stand." Cordy looks in the side view mirror, and preens. " Cordy the Magnificent? What do you think?"

" Great!"

" Perfect!"

" Wonderful!"

" It's so, you, Cordy!"

The girls exchange air kisses, and the Cordettes move off. Cordy waves after them. " Bye. Don't forget, practice!"

Cordy opens her door, and slips in, buckling up. She starts the engine, and glancing in the rearview mirror, and seeing nothing, starts to back out. She glances over her shoulder, and brakes suddenly.

Angel smiles at her. " Hi, don't think we've met. You're Cordelia Chase, right?"

Cordelia starts to scream, but before she can, Angel's hand comes around, muffling her. There is a cloth in his hand. Cordelia briefly struggles, then her eyes roll up in her head and she passes out.

Angel pulls Cordelia into the back seat, and using the roll of duct tape he 'borrowed' from the Bronze, binds her mouth, hands and feet. He drapes the chloroform soaked rag on her chest, to keep her knocked out.

He slides into the front seat, and whistling to himself, pulls out of the parking spot. He drives Cordelia's car into the night.

5

" AAAhhhh, Uhhhhh…. Oooohhhh" Faith, straddling Parker and rocking back and forth, groans. She can feel him swollen within her, and uses her muscles to hold him tight within. " YEEEESSSS YESS, YESSSSSS" Faith throws her head back, as she can feel the orgasm, like an over wound coil in her body, starts to uncurl. Her head whips side to side, her long dark tresses flying madly. " God YESSS DO IT BABY DO IT DO IT NOW!" She yells. She squeezes him, then releases and squeezes and releases, encouraging him to shoot his seed in her.

Parker, dazed and out of his depth, feels overwhelmed by her. His hips thrust in time with her motions; he wants to drive deeper in her warmth. He can feel her heat and sweat as his hands reach up to cup her breasts. His breathing is harsh and deep and ragged, and he feels the snap in his brain that causes him to explode within her. Faith yells something unintelligible, stiffens suddenly above him, and then flops over, still holding him inside while her torso flops down on his. Her face is flushed, and she smiles, her eyes looking sleepy. Her hands run up into his hair, and she pulls him toward her, kissing him deeply. " Mmmmm" She murmurs, as she rolls both them over on their sides. " That was nice, baby." She squeezes him again, and then allows him to slip out of her.

" Nice?" Parker is still dazed. " That was awesome. Intense!" He gasps. He pulls her close to him. " You are amazing!" He kisses her deeply.

" Mmmm… you got the job done yourself, babe, " Faith smiles at him. She cuddles him briefly, then pushes away and starts to get up.

" Huh, where you going?" He reaches for her. She gently slaps his arms away.

" Uh- uh, lover. I need a shower, and you… need to go."

" Go? But I thought…" He looks puzzled, " don't you wanna…?"

" Nuh-uh, Faith don't do sleep-overs. C'mon, " she pulls on him, getting him up. " Get dressed, ok? Gotta get going."

" but, but… wasn't I like…good?" He looks hurt.

"Now, don't pull the puppy dog eyes on me. We had fun, didn't we?" He nods. " Ok, so lets not make this more than it is. Two people having some groiny fun. Now, get going, cutie." She wanders around the room, grabbing his clothes and throwing it in his direction. She notices him standing there, looking shocked. " C'mon, we don't have all night. Check out time."

Parker, dressing, looks around for his shoes. " Can I call you?"

" No phone, kiddo, " Faith says. She finds his shoes and hands them to him.

" If I gave you my number, would you call me?"

Faith sighs. She comes over to him, and puts her hand on his face. " Baby, what did you think? This was like forever? You're a good sport, kiddo, and hey, we danced and had some heat. Don't make it more than it was, ok?" She gently starts shoving him towards the door. Opening it, she gestures for him to use it. He walks out, then turns.

" But…?"

She closes the door on him.

Parker stands there, confused.

All his life, he's been good with the girls. His sensitivity, his warm smile, his seeming to care, has won him more than one spot in some girl's heart. He'd date them for awhile, then become tired, and finally dump them. That was the way it was supposed to go. This was a first for him. Being the dumpee. It's not supposed to work this way, he thinks, as he starts down the stairs.

Hitting the driveway, he walks away, bewildered by this whole topsy-turvy night

He's finding he's not liking the fit of the shoe on the other foot.

6

Cordelia is having the weirdest dream.

In it, she's walking down the main drag of Sunnydale. It's late night, and she's in a hurry to get to her car. She feels like she's being followed. Suddenly, she hears a noise behind her, and she spins around.

Faith is standing there, dressed all in leather, leering at her.

Cordelia, frightened, runs off. She hears Faith in hot pursuit. She tries to scream, but she's so frightened, all that comes out is a small squeak. She sees an opening to an alleyway, and ducks down it. She sees Faith pass by, and she leans against the wall, closing her eyes and panting. Her heart is beating fast in her chest, and she's having trouble breathing. Gotta calm down, she says to herself, she's gone now. Gotta calm down.

Her breathing returning to normal, along with her heart rate, she opens her eyes, and almost faints. Faith is standing in front of her, grinning. Cordelia makes to run, but Faith pins her to the wall. But instead of hitting her, Faith kisses her. Hard. On the mouth.

Cordy squirms against the wall, trying to break free, but Faith has her arms pinned to her side. More, she's pressing up against her. Cordelia feels her heart doing jumping jacks in her chest, and scared more than she's ever been scared in her life. Scared, and incredibly turned on. She feels Faith push her leg between her own, and then Faith is pressing her thigh against her. AGAINST HER! And more, she feels her body betraying her, staring to rub against Faith's thigh. A little part of her wants to scream, scream so loud they hear her in L.A. But mostly, she's finding herself start to respond to Faith's violence. She opens her mouth, and Faith's tongue is in it. And she, Cordy, Queen C, is sucking on it. Sucking on it like it's the captain of the football team's intimate member.

She hears a ripping sound, and she realizes that Faith is tearing off her clothing. She wants to scream, but Faith has her tongue plugging her mouth. She squirms to get away, but somehow, Faith has her pinned tightly to the wall.

Dammit, it's getting cold! She thinks. And who's that laughing? Faith?

Her eyes fly open… and she's in a worse nightmare.

The first thing she realizes is that she's naked. The only thing covering her is a sign, tied in front of her chest.

Secondly, she's NOT on the ground. She's off the ground by some 15 feet or so. Tied to a pole. A flagpole. The flagpole in front of Sunnydale High.

Thirdly, she can't scream or anything, because her mouth is taped up.

Thank god, She thinks to herself, No one's here yet! But how am I gonna get out of this? She starts to whimper.

" … I don't know, Xander. I was pretty hard on her. Gosh, I know it wasn't her fault, " Willow, her arm looped through Xander's, is looking up at him. " I really was mean. I've got to find her and apologize to her."

Xander and Willow are walking to school. It's very early. Xander has managed to earn some early hours detention. Willow is along for moral support. And because, there is some potential for kissage.

" Don't sweat it too much, Will. I'm sure she knows…." Xander trails off, looking up. His mouth opens, and he's in full gape mode.

" What? What is it?" Willow asks, and follows his gaze. She stops, dead in her tracks, and gapes.

Up on the flagpole in front of Sunnydale High, Cordelia is tied up. Naked. The only thing she's wearing is a sign, which reads:

Hi, I'm Cordelia Chase.

Cheerleader

Cold hearted Bitch

Lying Slut.

Call ME!

1-900- SKANKY HO

The two of them look at each other, then back at Cordelia, then back at each other. They burst out laughing.

Willow pulls out a camera, and positioned so Cordelia can't see her, takes a few pictures of her.

ordelia, gagged, can't speak. But she wriggles on the pole, and makes some whiny moaning sounds.

" So, Cordelia, what happened?" Xander calls up to her, " Did someone finally scam on your secret?"

" Xander!" Willow punches his arm. " She could get hurt. Go get Snyder to get her down."

" But Will. This is a once in a lifetime chance to humiliate her, in front of the entire school."

" Xander," Willow's face goes into resolve mode. " Don't make me tell you twice."

" Snyder, right… going!" Xander runs up the steps. He stops for one last look. He grins, then starts to laugh, and disappears through the main doors.

" So, I guess this gives you and me a chance to talk, Cordelia" Willow looks up at her. " Nice mole, by the way."

Cordelia turns red.

"This is nice. I mean, the talking without you saying a word. I kind of like it."

Cordelia makes some sound.

" Now, boy, if anyone else sees this, Cordelia, you're pretty much ruined around here." Willow nods. " That'd be terrible wouldn't it?"

Cordelia nods emphatically.

" I'm thinking, after what you did to me last night, maybe I should catch up to Xander and stop him. Let you stay up there for everybody to see."

Cordelia shakes her head furiously.

" I really should, " Willow starts up the stairs behind Cordelia. She hears Cordy moan.

" … but I'm not gonna." She comes back around Cordelia, and looks up at her. " I know how it feels to be humiliated before everybody. So I won't"

Cordelia slumps in relief.

" But, it's going to cost you."

Cordelia makes a sound that oddly sounds like " I knew it!"

" First of all, you're going to leave me and Xander alone. You and your friends are going to stop picking on us. That means from now on, and forever. We got a deal?"

Cordelia looks upset. But she closes her eyes, and nods yes.

" Good. Second, you're going to leave Faith alone, too. No revenge stuff. Get it?"

Cordelia looks furious, and shakes her head " NO"

" No? Ok…" Willow shrugs, and starts up the steps.

Cordelia, realizing that Willow isn't bluffing, starts pound on the pole with her feet, the only things that aren't tied up.

Willow stops, and comes back.

" Well?"

Cordelia looks like she swallowed a dead fish, but she nods curtly. Twice.

" Ok. Final thing. You're dad's been real generous to Sunnydale High, especially the sports department. But you know? Haven't seen dollar one for the library or the AV department. So, I'm thinking it's time for daddy to write another check. What do you think?"

Cordelia looks angry, but she nods.

" There, that wasn't so bad, was it?"

Cordelia just keeps looking pissed.

" What's going on here?" A rather strident voices issues from the top steps of the entrance. " Oh, my goodness, Ms. Chase? What happened?"

A small, gnomish looking man with a bald head and ill fitting suit runs down to where Cordelia is hanging. He turns on Willow.

" What is this?" Principal Snyder demands." How did she get up there?"

" I don't know, Principal Snyder. Xander and I were just coming to school, and found her there.

" This is terrible. A catastrophe!" He turns to Cordelia. " Don't worry Ms. Chase, we'll get you right down."

A couple of school maintenance workers show up at the entrance. Snyder fussily waves them down.

" You there, come on, get her down. Now!"

The two maintenance men, one carrying a ladder, approach the flagpole. Leaning the ladder against it, one climbs up, and none too gently, begins to cut Cordelia free.

" If I find either of you had anything to do with this…" Snyder begins to threaten Willow and Xander, who's returned with the maintenance men, " I promise you I'll…"

" Oh, don't worry, Principal Snyder, " Willow says calmly. " I'm sure Cornell Chase won't sue you…"

" Sue?" Snyder blanches, " Who said anything about suing?" He looks worried.

" Well, it is after all on school grounds that Cordelia was … tied up. Potentially humiliated. And you are after all, responsible for everything that happens on school grounds."

Snyder groans.

" But I'm willing to tell him that you acted like a true gentleman, efficiently and propitiously , to defend his daughter's honor… and so is Xander."

" What?" Xander says, just joining them.

" Just say yes, Xander."

" Yes."

" HEY!" The blessed silence is over. Cordelia's mouth is free. " You, Willow!"

" What, Cordy?" Willow turns to her.

" What makes you think I'm gonna do any of those things. Now that I'm free, no one's gonna know what happened. So, deals off, loser!"

" Oh? But Cordy, I've got a witness."

" Puhlease. Who's going to take Xander's word over mine?"

" Oh, I wasn't talking about him, " She nods at Xander. She pulls out a camera from her bag, and shows it to Cordelia. " I was talking about this." She smiles sweetly.

" You… wouldn't. You wouldn't dare!"

" Go ahead and renege on the deal, Cordy, and find out."

Cordelia blanches. She suddenly becomes very quiet.

" What was that all about, Will?" Xander asks, as they start up the steps to school.

" Blackmail is such an ugly word, Xander," Willow says quietly.

" I didn't say blackmail."

Willow just smiles sweetly, and Xander gets it. He smiles along with her.

They disappear through the school doors.

They've learned a valuable lesson today.

Sometimes, there IS justice in the world, after all.

To be continued
- 4
- 5
- 6
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The Slayer